External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on Tuesday. They will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in defence, security, technology and critical minerals. The meeting comes as India-US relations face several challenges. Rubio will arrive in Mumbai, India’s financial hub, on Tuesday afternoon with a large business delegation. He will travel to India after visiting Uzbekistan. This will be his second visit to India since May. During his previous visit, Rubio held bilateral talks with Jaishankar and attended a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. His visit comes days after US President Donald Trump waived certain provisions of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA). These provisions authorised punitive tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil. India has already shared its concerns about the SRIA with the US administration. New Delhi has highlighted the possible impact on bilateral relations and global energy markets. People familiar with the matter said Jaishankar and Rubio would discuss ways to maintain progress in India-US ties. They would also explore greater cooperation in trade, energy, technology and critical minerals.

India-US Talks to Cover Global Conflicts and Energy Security

Jaishankar and Rubio will also discuss regional and international developments. Their agenda is expected to include the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. They will examine how these conflicts affect global food, fuel and fertiliser supplies. India has proposed a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire to protect essential supplies and international trade. The proposal aims to maintain the flow of energy and food shipments. It also seeks to prevent attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea. The two leaders may also discuss meetings between senior officials from India and the US on the sidelines of upcoming international events. These include the ASEAN Summit in Manila next month and the G20 Summit in Florida, the United States. Jaishankar will also attend a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. He will participate in the event as the guest of honour.

Trade Disputes Continue to Strain Bilateral Relations

India and the US have faced several challenges over the past year. The Trump administration’s trade and tariff policies have emerged as major sources of tension. Restrictions affecting Indian professionals and Washington’s growing engagement with Pakistan have also strained ties. Negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement appear to have slowed down. Officials from both countries have said they are trying to find mutually acceptable terms and reach a deal. Rubio’s visit will give both sides an opportunity to review their relationship. They will also explore ways to expand cooperation despite their differences.

Rubio to Visit Reliance Refinery in Jamnagar

Rubio’s itinerary includes a visit to Reliance Industries’ refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on October 21. He is expected to spend a few hours at the facility. The refinery plays a major role in processing Russian oil. This makes the planned visit significant as India and the US continue discussions over sanctions and tariffs linked to Russian energy purchases. Reliance Industries is also investing in a major refinery project in Texas. The project is described as the first new refinery of its kind to be developed in the US in five decades. The Indian company also buys significant quantities of Venezuelan oil. The Trump administration controls sales of this oil. Before his visit, Rubio acknowledged the challenges India faces in reducing its dependence on Russian energy. He noted that India had diversified its energy sources but said changing oil suppliers was not easy. “it’s hard to pivot” on oil suppliers, Rubio said. Rubio also said Trump intended to use the 60-day waiver period under the SRIA to assess the effects of sanctions and tariffs on the global economy.

US Ambassador’s Remarks Draw Opposition Criticism

Before Rubio’s arrival, US Ambassador Sergio Gor sparked criticism from opposition parties with his remarks about the planned meeting in Mumbai. Gor said the US side expected Jaishankar to travel to Mumbai to meet Rubio. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to the criticism. It said India had hosted foreign dignitaries outside New Delhi for the past decade. The exchange took place amid wider concerns about the state of India-US relations and the diplomatic challenges facing both governments.

Jaishankar to Meet UAE Foreign Minister

Before meeting Rubio, Jaishankar will meet UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan over dinner on Monday evening. The two leaders will review bilateral relations and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation. Their talks will cover energy, trade, investment and defence. They will also exchange views on the evolving situation in West Asia. These meetings reflect India’s continued engagement with key international partners on economic cooperation, energy security and regional stability.